Crawford County residents and Kansans searching for an inexpensive, interactive weekend out in the sun are in luck; the annual Kansas Free Fishing Days returns to the Sunflower State on the first weekend of June.
Outdoors
Coal Miners’ Gravel a big hit
Saturday was a beautiful day for a leisurely bike ride in the countryside as more than 200 cyclists gathered on McKay Street in Frontenac for the third annual Coal Miners’ Gravel, a series of four bicycle rides of different lengths throughout the southeast Kansas coal country.
Coal Miner’s Gravel Ride: Where Grit Meets Gravel in Southeast Kansas
This isn’t just a ride—it’s a tribute to the land, the legacy and the cycling community. Held each May, the ride debuted in 2023 with just 65 cyclists. By 2024, word had spread like wildfire, drawing 218 riders from as far away as Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, and of course, the cycling mecca of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Biking Builds Relationships Amongst Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
Although Pittsburg, Kansas, lifelong resident Tom Swartz has never gotten into competitive mountain biking or any other serious biking races/events, he has a passion for this leisurely recreational sport that has continued for many decades.
The original Bass Pro Shop: John’s Sport Center celebrates 70 years
John’s Sports Center is known as “the original Bass Pro Shop” as Johnny Morris, owner of the nationwide chain, got his idea from trading beads and lures at the John’s tackle counter in Southeast Kansas in the mid 1970s.
Crawford State Park
A hidden gem for camping & recreation, this is one of the oldest state parks & man-made lakes in Kansas.
Hit the trails with Southwind Cycle and Outdoor
Ben Alexander has spent much of his life around bikes. In a previous life, he worked at various community centers while racing his own bikes. Then one day, he found a fresh perspective on the craft from an unlikely source.
Walking trails where you can hike & bike around Pittsburg
Getting outside in nature makes you feel good – it’s science. Maybe you like to hike, bike, forage, go on an adventure with the kids, or just get a little time to yourself in nature. No matter what, you can find a spot in or around Pittsburg to scratch that itch. Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to get some exercise and vitamin D.
Species Checklist
Unusual contrasting natural & man-made environments in a close proximity attracts a diverse range of upland birds, waterfowl, wildlife & outdoor enthusiasts.
National Plan for a Vacation Day (1/28, 2025)
The last Tuesday of each January is U.S. Travel’s National Plan for a Vacation Day. Ever since the global pandemic, more than ever, people are now itching to get out of what has become their “new normal” routine.
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